Port of Oakland names veteran airport exec its Aviation Director

Press Releases

February 25th, 2016

Bryant L. Francis of Long Beach takes over at Oakland International Airport

Oakland, CA - February 25, 2016: The Port of Oakland today named Long Beach Airport Director Bryant L. Francis as its new Director of Aviation. Mr. Francis, a 20-year aviation executive, takes over as head of Oakland International Airport. He replaces Deborah Ale Flint who left last June to become CEO of Los Angeles World Airports.

Mr. Francis will lead a staff of 216 responsible for the operation of the San Francisco Bay Area's second-busiest airport. He was selected from more than 100 candidates in a nationwide search.

"We're excited about Bryant's arrival in Oakland," said Chris Lytle, Executive Director at the Port of Oakland. "His selection was based on a combination of his professional background and skill, vision for Oakland International Airport, and fit as a member of the Port's Executive Management Team."

Aviation is one of three principal business lines at the Port along with Maritime and Commercial Real Estate. Annual passenger traffic at Oakland International Airport increased 8.4 percent in 2015 to 11.2 million travelers.

"This is an incredible opportunity in a dynamic growth market and I am honored to have been selected as the Port's new Director of Aviation," said Mr. Francis. "I'm very familiar with the role Oakland International Airport plays in the Bay Area and look forward to working with the talented staff to lead the Airport to even greater levels of success."

Mr. Francis has been Director of Long Beach Airport since January, 2015. He was previously Director of Airports in Shreveport, La. He also served in executive capacities at airports in Boise, Detroit and Palm Springs, and began his career in Atlanta. Mr. Francis is a member of the Airports Council International – North America Board of Directors and is also the American Association of Airport Executives Diversity Committee Chair.

Mr. Francis begins his new post March 31, 2016.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.